artist

“Re-Inventing the Arts in Hunterdon County.”

It seems that most of the visitors to our studios this year were other artists. At first this worried me, but I quickly realized how great that actually is. As we create a stronger community, as we become cohesive, when we are able to easily work together and form critique groups, curate exhibitions, hold workshops, share ideas then we will be able to share our process, we will be able to show our work with greater relevance to our community. Once we are able to do that, as well we become a stronger force.

Like those DownTown artists in the 1950’s and 60’s, we here in Hunterdon County are finding each other. We are expanding our community.

From”Inventing Downtown” – I saw this photograph and laughed! It was taken by my undergraduate drawing professor from SUNY Purchase – John Cohen. It reminded me of how small the art world really is.

Very recently, The Grey Art Gallery at NYU held an exhibition called “Inventing Downtown.” During the 1950’s and 60’s many artists moved downtown and opened their own exhibition spaces. Artists yearned to create art without being constrained by the concerns of uptown galleries. Uptown galleries defined the success of the work by how well it sold. Moving downtown facilitated experimentation and collaboration without a concern for a huge price tag. Spaces downtown were cheap. There was ample room for exhibition spaces, studios and an opportunity for artists to find solace in each other’s company – to share ideas, collaborate, influence each other without the nerve wracking consideration of whether to not the market would support those efforts. When community of artists swaps ideas, talks, connects regularly – Art Thrives! When artists can create without constraint, they are society’s vital sounding board – the most valuable role for any artist. Artists are our conscience – the eye and ears and voice for which society depends. Artists assist society in interpreting the times and find reason and answers and insight.

I am saying CHEERS to us all! Taking this into our own hands will serve to empower our voices as artists. We are sprinting out of the gate! BRAVO!